Exceptional Experience

Residential Learning Communities

Enhance the on-campus experience by creating residential living communities that provide students the opportunity to engage with small affinity groups.

Year 1 Highlights

• Pilot program will launch this fall with a focus on First Generation Students, marketing materials are being collected
• Other potential programs include leadership, service and program-based opportunities

Year 2 Highlights

• First Generation Students Program began and a new community gathering space is being established in Conrad Hall that will allow intellectual conversation, community building and more.
• Additional programs have been identified, including Outdoor Adventures and School Spirit, and one will launch each year for the next two years.
• The Residential Life webpage has been updated to include information regarding the RLCs 

Cultural Event Series

Establish the LR Cultural Event Series that encompasses all performances, guest speakers, exhibitions and showcase events for LR.

Year 1 Highlights

• Research of best practices along with a self-audit of programming has been completed and a recommendation for ticketing options, programming opportunities and needs will be presented

Year 2 Highlights

• A new space has been identified in the PE Monroe lobby to showcase our visual arts exhibits
• Shared marketing materials and a new process for defining events and dates are being established with a goal of launching the all inclusive “LR Cultural Event Series in 2022-23.

Student Focus Organizational Structure

Revise LR organizational structure to ensure that we prioritize student learning and experiences throughout our operations.

Year 1 Highlights

• Office of Student Success & Retention now reports directly to the provost and has physically moved to the Daniel Rhyne Building
• Established The Graduate School to ensure that recruitment, programming and academic integrity seamlessly integrated with one another

Year 2 Highlights

• A new position of vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion was established to ensure that LR focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion within all facets of the institution 
• The institution restructured all colleges to better align with workforce needs and best practices.

Comprehensive Early Intervention

Establish a comprehensive early-intervention program utilizing key metrics to improve retention and completion rates.

Year 1 Highlight

• Established a care team to proactively identify and engage students in times of challenge or crisis

Year 2 Highlights

• Recommendation for relocation of space was adopted and implemented to ensure that the Office of Student Success was in a central location with appropriate space for advising, tutoring, and training sessions.
• An advising council is being established that will not only strengthen the advising process for students but also provide a space for proactive trainings so students are identified early if they are in need of additional support.
• Student Life, Admissions, and Academic Affairs have developed plans for enhanced onboarding and orientation of new students.

Transformation of First-Year Experiences

Transition FYE utilizing best practice models that focus on acculturation and student learning experiences to enhance retention and academic success.

Year 1 Highlights

• Completed an institutional review and comparison of key data and FYE practices
• Presented key goals and finding to the campus to gather feedback in preparation of a report to be presented to the appropriate committee

Year 2 Highlights

• The initiative team working on the transformation of FYE has produced a document outlining recommended changes to the current program, including modifications to the existing FYE course, the Convocations program, and the onboarding of new students. The recommendations will be discussed among faculty groups and individuals during the 2021-2022 academic year.

Engaged Student Programming

Rethink and enhance student programming to increase opportunities for student engagement.

Year 1 Highlights

• Expanded programming throughout campus with a focus on incorporating students desires with appropriate and adequate marketing
• Areas are working together to provide programming and to best utilize resources

Year 2 Highlights

• All areas that plan student activities have been charged to rethink how we engage with students.
• All areas are now working together through a common calendar system and theme-based weeks to ensure that all parties are working together and students have an awareness of the programs.
• The institution has partnered with the City of Hickory to offer more programming throughout the community, especially downtown, so that students are engaged in multiple ways.
• Renovations to both intercollegiate and intramural facilities have been made which include upgrades in Shuford Gymnasium, Durham Field, locker rooms and our golf training area.

Campus Master Plan

Develop an updated master plan to guide new construction and renovation projects.

Year 1 Highlights

• A comprehensive Master Plan will be presented to the BOT in March
• Focus of the plan is not just on new and renovated buildings, but also space utilization

Year 2 Highlights - Complete

A comprehensive master plan was created and accepted. This plan focuses on creating new spaces, renovating spaces, and understanding how space is used.

Modernized Living Spaces

Modernize our campus housing options to provide a transformative experience that attracts students.

Year 1 Highlights

• Invested in a new dining and lounge area for all students with a focus on the commuter population
• Established lighting throughout the exterior of campus to ensure a safe atmosphere

Year 2 Highlights

• Fritz Conrad received new flooring, and new furniture lobby furniture was purchased. Additional study space is being incorporated for all students within this building.
• All residence halls received upgraded, energy-efficient lighting.
• A new outdoor patio was created to provide additional gathering space for students to host bands, entertain and build community.